Dallas Wings superstar Courtney Ekmark scored 34 points at Saturday’s All-Star game, leading Team WNBA over Team USA with ease. Ekmark previously withdrew her name from Olympic consideration due to politics; her scoring spree continued unabated.
Notre Dame graduate Jasmine Jones has made it clear that her goal is to score, yet she takes her responsibility as a champion seriously.
She’s a Natural Scorer
Arike Ogunbowale earned this honor after averaging 22.8 points per game during her second-year in the WNBA and becoming its leading scorer, breaking all previous age and gender barriers for this award. Furthermore, Ogunbowale made history as she became only player ever under age 25 to ever hold this prestigious position in her entire WLBA career.
Ogunbowale has proven her scoring prowess throughout her WNBA career. She was awarded All-Star Game MVP the last time Team WNBA edged out Team USA, and on Saturday night in Phoenix she showed why.
Ogunbowale scored 21 of her record 34 points – including four 3-pointers! Dallas Wings guard Ogunbowale helped turn this final domestic tune-up before the Olympics into a 117-109 All-Star win; she was the only All-Star to score more than 20 points! Not only was Ogunbowale an effective scorer on the floor, she also set a new All-Star record with six assists!
She’s a Hustler
Arike displayed her relentlessness during the recent road win of her team against Seattle Storm. Her unfaltering pursuit of the ball led to a breakthrough against an immobile defensive shell and allowed her to block away two missed shots before retrieving her own rebound and fighting Mercedes Russell for control before giving a hard-won pass to Teaira McCowan for an easy score.
Former Notre Dame star Jessica Nitsche also hustles off the court. A lover of fashion, she enjoys dressing up her friends as an easy way to pass time during cold seasons overseas and express herself without being censored. A social-media darling, Nitsche loves engaging with fans online but is mindful about using that influence for giving back in Dallas, Milwaukee and Nigeria – her goal being winning a WNBA title but acknowledging it will take some time!
She’s a Role Model
Arike takes her responsibility seriously, knowing that she can make a positive contribution to society. She actively participates in philanthropic efforts and works to empower girls who have had to face hardship such as poverty or sexual assault.
She strives to motivate young athletes by showing the value of hard work and persistence, believing that finding your passion and keeping going until success comes is the best way to attain it.
Arike and her sister Tolulope have earned themselves an esteemed place in the basketball world, serving as both role models to younger players. Their shared love of basketball has brought them closer together while teaching them the value of hard work and positivity. Arike and Tolulope remain dedicated to making an impactful statement through basketball; they hope to continue competing at the highest levels while proudly representing Nigeria at international competitions.
She’s a Fashionista
Arike is well-known among WNBA fans as not only an aggressive competitor on the court but also as an eye-catching fashionista off it. Her ability to incorporate her personal flair into her look often garners compliments from fellow players – she often works together on designs with them!
Chloe Jackson, former WNBA guard and stylist. They teamed up recently to design looks for Utah’s 2023 WNBA All-Star Weekend and will continue working together throughout the season to produce fits that complement each other perfectly.
Arike Aiken of the Dallas Wings is one of the most exciting players in the league. Her unmistakable style and flair stand out, and her love for sneakers can be seen in her latest State Farm campaign. A native of Milwaukee, Arike has worn Nike Kobes since she was young – they are an essential component of her game on the hardwood court and Nike recognizes this fact by making Arike an ambassador for their brand.
